By 
This post was originally written in Dec 2017!
If you’ve been reading my blog, then you’ll know that I’m a sunset lover. When I first got my driver’s license, I often drove all the way to the outskirts of Madrid to experience the magic of sunsets. The spectacle of colors and the calmness have always struck a chord with me.
When I first moved to LA, I would go to all the touristy places to experience the sunset, as I was not really acquainted with the city. Before coming here, my dream was to experience firsthand the color changing Hollywood/Beverly Hills sunsets that I had seen on Tumblr. After being here for several months, I eventually branched out to different neighborhoods. This allowed me to discover how big Los Angeles actually is and the amount of strikingly beautiful spots that not even seasoned locals are aware of.
Moving here and experiencing the sun’s last glimmer in the most unexpected spots completely surpassed my expectations of what I thought a typical LA sunset would be like. I don’t consider myself a professional location scout for sunset locations. However, once you’re used to the calmness and the intimate connection provided by the places I’m going to mention, you could say I’ve become a little bit spoiled. Being on the bustling Santa Monica pier, shoulder to shoulder with overbearing tourists pulling out their selfie sticks and blocking your view, becomes a nuisance.
If perhaps you’re unable to drive to any of these places, the Venice Beach Boardwalk and Manhattan Beach offer stunning sunset views as well as Malibu and certain areas of Santa Monica that are not crammed with tourists (such as the beach access from Hollister Avenue, just two blocks away from Urth Café).
In this post, I want to share with you some of my favorite places, which not many people are aware of. Palos Verdes Peninsula and the coastal neighborhood of San Pedro offer unique and unforgettable sunsets. The high altitude and the coastal bluffs in which these neighborhoods are located play a big factor, allowing you to have stunning panoramic coastal views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island and the spread-out layout of LA as you drive inland. If you go there, don’t be surprised to find landscape photographers with tripods. They surely know where to catch the best sunsets!
San Pedro
San Pedro is the ultimate sunset paradise. See my other post about it here.
Catching the perfect sunset in San Pedro is a little tricky because there are too many amazing overview spots to be at all at once. The places I’m going to mention in San Pedro are all within walking distance from one other in case you want to opt for a beautiful walk/jog. Here are my top places to catch the perfect sunset there:
Korean Bell Of Friendship
3601 S Gaffey StAngel’s Gate Park
Los Angeles, CA 90731
Click here to see my video!
If you have never been to San Pedro, you must make this your #1 destination. On your way there, you’ll get to the top of Gaffey Street and have magnificent views of Catalina Island in the distance and the city of Long Beach on the left side. There is also a lookout point with coin-operated binoculars and plenty of parking. Once you get to the park, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful color contrasts of the blue sky, the green grass, and the red and green Korean Bell Tower.
Other great spots to catch a beautiful sunset in San Pedro are:
Point Fermin Park
807 Paseo Del MarSan Pedro, CA 90731
Paseo Del Mar and Emily St, San Pedro CA
Cruise Ship Promenade / Vincent Thomas Bridge
600 Sampson Way, San Pedro, CA 90731
Palos Verdes
I couldn’t believe my fellow Dominican top-model Lineisy Montero made Palos Verdes one of her must-see destinations on her short visit to LA!
Ocean Trails Reserve Palos Verdes
This trail is a little tricky to get to! The exact location is La Rotonda Drive, right off Palos Verdes Dr S. It is a perfect place to walk while taking in the amazing ocean views and the breeze, enhanced by the lack of people due to its secluded location, which places its value even higher. If you go during the day, make sure to properly hydrate. Bring a hat and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Point Light San Vicente
31501 Palos Verdes Dr WRancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Think beautiful postcard vistas! There’s a 2-mile walking trail that winds along the coast as well as benches along the route to sit down on. Additionally, there’s a public museum that further explains the history of Palos Verdes.
Terranea Resort
100 Terranea WayRancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
No wonder this oceanfront resort is a highly coveted wedding venue. The beautiful green grounds, luxurious bungalows, villas, and one-of-a-kind ocean views make this place a hidden treasure in LA. There’s also a spa and a pool in case you want to spend your whole day there and indulge in a nice pampering experience. Additionally, there’s a short descending hiking trail to the sea caves! Enjoy the beautiful scenic rocky shoreline and admire the greatness of the ocean. Don’t forget to bring sturdy shoes as you’ll be walking on a rocky surface.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI_3ck1BwIi/?taken-at=314344
If you want to follow the sunset with a nice dining experience while enjoying the views and cozy, modern fireplace, head over to Nelson’s.
Lunada Bay Palos Verdes
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRZl7ZXBMBd/?taken-by=marianana92
LAX In-N-Out
9149 S Sepulveda BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90045
Watch the airplanes landing and enjoy the beautiful sunset whilst eating In-N-Out? Yes please!
Long Beach
In Long Beach, no matter what street you’re at, you will be able to appreciate one-of-a-kind sunsets. These types of sunsets with vibrant hues though, are few and far between during fall season in California. On Dec 10th, 2017, Mother Nature gifted us with one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve experienced since I moved here.
The picture below was also taken on the same day. Needless to say, Long Beach sunsets never cease to give me the goosebumps. Thank you to shutthekaleup for capturing this idyllic sunset.
Hilltop Park in Signal Hill, Long Beach
Located atop a hill, Hilltop park provides unique panoramic 360-degree views of Long Beach, the Queen Mary and San Pedro on one side, and the DTLA skyline with the ever-present San Gabriel mountains on the other side. On a clear day, you can even see the Hollywood Sign. There are telescopes and nice benches there and if you’re in the mood for a hill workout, you can park at the bottom and use the trail. This is definitely a must-visit place if it’s your first time in Long Beach.
Also if you come here, make sure the forecast is cloud-free and warm to fully enjoy it. In addition, because of its altitude, the winds can be pretty strong. There are also statues, telescopes and plaques for further information regarding the history of Long Beach.
Other places you can’t miss
Runyon Canyon
If you live in LA, this place is a no-brainer. I used to come here all the time when I first moved here. Every time I see the LA’s Downtown skyline at night gives me goosebumps.
Baldwin Scenic Overlook Culver City
6300 Hetzler Rd ,Culver City
Yes, you have to go through these killer steep stairs but I promise once you make it to the top you will feel 1000% accomplished and of course enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of LA. Like Hannah Montana says “Life is a climb but the view is great”. Although it’s a quick hike (it takes approximately 20-30 minutes to get to the top), this workout will make you feel like you jumped hurdles! The stairs are huge and depending on the area, some of them will require you to lift up your legs beyond 90 degrees. If you’re up for a good workout and catch a beautiful sunset, you can’t miss this spot. Warning: your legs will burn and tremble for the next day or two! Don’t forget to bring a good amount of water and STRETCH! Your body will thank you later.
Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Who knew that perched atop a hill in the south of Hollywood Blvd would lie this park? Unless you’ve done your research or know about it, this place will not be on your radar. Barnsdall park is an inconspicuous oasis above the chaotic streets of Hollywood.
The panoramic views from the hills, the Hollywood sign, and the Griffith Observatory are truly spectacular. The view from the parking lot is impressive enough that you don’t even need to leave your car if you don’t want to! The park is used for outdoor movie screenings in the summer. If you go there, you can’t miss the Hollyhock House and its beautiful garden court. Like most parks in LA, Barnsdall Park has plenty of beautiful greenery and pine trees, surrounding you with wilderness and chirping birds. Make sure to take your time and walk through to fully appreciate every nook and cranny this place has to offer.
El Matador State Beach, Malibu
Quintessential movies like the opening of Grease or The Notebook were filmed here, which is the main reason not to skip one of California’s most visually stunning beaches. It is on the smaller side and since it’s such a historic landmark, locals and tourists flock here for photo ops. In order to access the beach, you have to walk down a steep staircase.
Palisades Park in Santa Monica
Dockweiler State Beach in Playa Del Rey
What are your ultimate favorite places to see the sunset? Please share!
